Iron-Cross Begonia
Begonia masoniana (BEGONIACEAE)
Planting and Growing Iron-Cross Begonia
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow iron-cross begonia in the accompanying table’s tabs:
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- Flowers, foliage, and root structure of iron-cross begonia
- Season of bloom and planting time for iron-cross begonia
- Plant hardiness and growing conditions for iron-cross begonia
- When, how deep, and where to plant iron-cross begonia
- How to plant iron-cross begonia
- Watering, fertilizing, care and pests or diseases of iron-cross begonia
- Landscape and indoor uses of iron-cross begonia
- Comments about iron-cross begonia and its features
Growing Iron-Cross Begonia
Summer rhizome. Deciduous. Stands 1 ft. (30 cm) tall and 2 ft. (60 cm) wide. Rounded, toothed, deeply textured, hairy, fleshy green leaves, 6–12 in. (15–30 cm) long, with distinctive deep brown, distinctive central markings, on fuzzy leaf stalks.
Iron-Cross Begonia Planting and Care Guide
Flowers
Insignificant flowers; grown for foliage.
Best Climates
U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones 6–11.
Soil Type and Fertility
Damp, well-drained soil. Fertility: Rich. 5.5–6.5 pH.
Where and How to Plant
Spring in partial shade, zones 6–8; autumn, zone 9–11. Space 12–16 in. (30–40 cm) apart, 4 in. (10 cm) deep. In containers, space 3–4 in. (75–100 mm) apart, 1/4‑in. (6‑mm) deep.
Proper Care
Moderate. Water only when soil surface dries; water sparingly in winter. Fertilize bimonthly spring–summer. Prune sparingly. Pinch growth tips to promote fullness. Propagate by cuttings, division. Divide when crowded.
Lifting and Storing
Dark, 50–60°F (10–16°C), in net bag or open basket of dry peat moss.
About This Species
Good choice for hanging baskets, containers in shade gardens. Good as houseplant. Powdery mildew susceptible.
Begonia Groups and Classes
Fibrous-Rooted Begonias
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- Wax (Semperflorens) Begonias
- Cane and Angel-Winged Begonias
- Hirsute (Hairy) Begonias
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Rhizomatous-Rooted Begonias
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- Rex (Rex-Cultorum) Begonias
- Other Rhizomatous Begonias
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Tuberous-Rooted Begonias
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- Tuberous (Tuberhybrida) Begonias
- Hardy Begonias
- Multiflora Begonias
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About Begonias
Over 1,000 wild species of the Begonia genus are native to tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world. Many hybrid cultivars have distinctive flowers or unusual foliage; gardeners may choose from nearly 400 commonly grown species, varieties, and cultivars.
Most are native to Central and South America. All are summer blooming, perennial plants. Choose from among the groups and classes above.
Begonias are drought, heat, and smog tolerant plants that thrive in filtered sunlight and tolerate full sun in most climates.
While a few are woody shrubs, most begonias are bulbous plants with fibrous, rhizomatous, or tuberous roots. They generally are tender and require protection from cold temperatures. Begonias typically are planted as annuals and reared indoors in U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones 4–7, where gardeners lift and store their rhizomes or tuberous roots after bloom for replanting in spring.
All begonias can be grown outdoors during warm months of the garden season provided that they are given protection from unseasonable frosts and heavy precipitation. Many cultivars are grown indoors as colorful foliage or flowering plants and moved outdoors when conditions are right.
Pots of begonias brighten balconies, decks, and patios.
The American Begonia Society, Inc., has divided begonias horticulturally into three broad, large groups by their rootstock type, each subdivided for exhibition and show classes based on specific flower characteristics.
Planting and Caring for Begonias
Plant begonias in spring, after the soil temperature has warmed and all hazard of frost has passed.
Because begonias are so varied in their growth habits, it’s possible to choose from tall, upright plants with bamboolike, jointed canes, mounding varieties, or those with trailing forms.
Water all begonias at the soil to avoid wetting their foliage. Remember, when you water tuberous plants, avoid pooling water on the soil over the tuber; they are subject to fungal disease when soil conditions are overly moist and water stands in their concave crown.
Protect the plants from wind, as many cultivars have delicate, brittle foliage. Fertilize them monthly during active growth with liquid organic fertilizer diluted to one-half the package-recommended rate.
When autumn days begin to shorten, many begonias react to less light by beginning a period of semi-dormancy. In cold-winter climates, cease watering for about 2 weeks, then lift the tubers and store them in a net bag or an open basket of dry peat moss with good air circulation.
For fibrous- and rhizomatous-rooted varieties, limit watering, then cut the foliage back to the main stalk before lifting. Place them in damp peat moss or wood chips until spring. Check them occasionally to add moisture and remove any that have developed fungal disease or that have withered.